Our community is saddened by the death of Mr. Erbert Gomillion, Jr., father of Attorney Chris Gomillion. He transitioned November 6th and visitation was held Saturday, November 9th at Ott and Lee Funeral Home. Graveside service was held in Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Our prayers are with his son and wife, Jackie, and sisters Louise Bell and Martha Gomillion.
We are sorry to learn of the transition of Michael Earl Raff, former director of the Governor’s Office of Human Development, Jackson Director of Cultural Service, Director of the MS Council on Human Relations, and Legal Services pioneer. He transitioned October 21st and was memorialized October 28th at St. Peters Cathedral. Our prayers are with his family, including his wife, Linda, and children, Lauren and Matthew.
Please continue to remember our readers who are facing health challenges, including Mrs. Marquita Patrick who is recuperating at home; Mrs. Maudis Mareen Minor who is resting at Lackey Memorial; Mr. Ronnie Thomas who has scheduled surgery; Mr. Raymond Mabry who remains at MS Baptist Medical Center; Mrs. Flo Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell (Mary) Nichols, Sisters Maris and Obublia, Mr. and Mrs. Albert (Lucy) Moore, Angel Martinez, and other readers.
Scott County was well represented at the recent Congressional Homeland Security Hearings on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Raid held at Tougaloo College’s Holmes Hall November 7th. Sheriff Mike Lee was one of the 7 witnesses to testify before the Committee chaired by MS Congressman Bennie Thompson. Sheriff Lee shared information regarding the impact of the August 7th ICE Immigration raids on the local economy and the low percentage of immigrants in the criminal system.
Other witnesses were Scott County Youth Court Prosecutor and Legacy President Constance Slaughter-Harvey who referenced the impact of the raids on families and schools, and the legal problems confronting Scott County detainees. Special Agent in charge of the New Orleans office of Homeland Security Investigations Jere Miles provided statistics regarding the cost of the raid and the status of employer prosecutions.
Pastor Odell from St. Anne Catholic Church in Carthage shared information regarding his parishioners who were detained. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Cliff Johnson provided testimony regarding the legal status of detainees and shared his perspective on immigration law.
Working Together Mississippi organizer Lorena Quiroz Lewis referenced the number of detainees who remain in jail and shared information regarding detainee problems at the jails. Canton Mayor William Truly provided information regarding the impact of the raid on his citizens.
Chairman Bennie Thompson (MS) was joined by Committee members Representative Shelia Jackson Lee (TX), Representative Al Green (TX) and Steve Cohen (TN).
Legacy Camp Zoning into Wildlife Education (ZiWe) and In-School Mentoring Change Agents braved the weather and enjoyed fishing, camping and hiking at Roosevelt State Park. They learned the facts on wildlife conservation and outdoor living. Special thanks to the MS Dept. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks and Legacy Education and Community Empowerment Foundation for sponsoring the trip.
Thanks to Mentors D.L. Bennett, Andrew Crudup, and Henry Slaughter who chaperoned the 5th and 6th graders. Brenda Jones and Constance Slaughter-Harvey provided transportation assistance. Thanks to parents who supported this educational enrichment trip with Mississippi outdoor activities.
Commendations to the Roosevelt State Park staff for assistance in Camp ZiWe. Participating in the Camp ZiWe were Dylan Brown, James Burwell III, Cameron Eirby, Tivairus Fulton, Antonio Gabriel, Radavious Graffenread, Gregory Keeton, Ananias McBride, Jadarius McClendon, Jon Carlos McGee, Kalani Naki, Xzavia Patrick, Cole Perry, Haden Quigley, Pedro Seba, Kaden Terry, Brayden Wooten, James Wooten, and Jordan Ramirez. This Camp is supported by the 2019-2020 Youth Participation Initiative Program of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks.
How many of our readers have seen a camel in person? Guests attending the Birthday Party for Representative Tom Miles were greeted by Frank, the camel. He did not journey from Egypt or Dubai. He lives in Pelahatchie and works at Frank the Camel Dairy Farm. He strolled the streets of Morton, Forest and Lake last Tuesday. Frank is a beautiful, friendly, and smart animal.
Our readers are invited to attend the Lynch Chapel U.M. Church Baby Contest to be held the third Sunday in November (November 17th) at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Phyliss Thomas Harper is the coordinator and Rev. Shirley Wilder is the pastor. We will see you there.
The Committee for a Progressive Scott County will hold its Post-Election Meeting this Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Slaughter Memorial Library. Refreshments will be served.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. The Alcorn State University/ Jackson State University Christmas Gala will be held at the Forest Services Center. For ticket information, contact any ASU or JSU Alumni Association member. You don’t want to miss this Festive Food, Fun and Fellowship event!
Answer to Quiz Teaser #551: Mrs. Rosa Burks Batiste was the first African Forest WIN (Employment) Center Manager; the first African American MDES Branch Director; and the only MDES Division Director.
Quiz Teaser # 552: Who was the first African American County-wide Elected Official in Scott County?
